The New York Jets didn't make any deals on trade deadline day (Tuesday) after trading safety Andre Cisco on Monday.
That is despite the fact disgruntled EDGE Will McDonald IV publicly requested a trade.
The Jets absolutely should have traded McDonald.
GM Darren Mougey is already equipped with three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL draft. The real-time order has those picks currently slotted for Nos. 4, 6, and 13 overall. Obviously the Jets felt like they possessed enough draft capital as is. They didn't feel the need to trade McDonald, or any other players linked to trades such as Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, or Nahshon Wright.
McDonald is signed through next season via his fifth-year rookie option. The Jets' refusal to trade McDonald is surprising
given his usage. He's averaging just 30.7 snaps per game as Aaron Glenn's 3rd-most used pass rusher behind starters Kingsley Enagbare and rookie David Bailey.
McDonald has recorded three sacks this season. He's roughly on pace for another 8-sack campaign, which he produced in 2025. The Jets obviously believe McDonald is still an asset to the defense, and feel they're already equipped with enough draft capital.
Refusing to trade McDonald was a curious decision for a rebuilding franchise.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: The Jets absolutely should have traded Will McDonald IV
